Jazz at the Lit & Phil: The Windy City Weatherbirds - May 19

(© Lance)

Magnus Pickering (long model cornet, vocals); Joe Pickering (reeds); Daniel Pickering (trombone); Harrison Dolphin (guitar); Paul Grainger (bass); Robbie Ellison (drums)

It was like being at Newcastle's legendary New Orleans' Club back in the day. All that was missing was the smoke, the drunks and the mic. This latter item would have been handy to have. Otherwise, we could have been listening to those jazzmen who sailed under the flag of Panama or those of the River City Jazzmen. Both bands executed (in more ways than one) a brand of Dixieland cum Chicago that set the benchmark for this style in Newcastle.

(© Patti D)

Up from London, the Windy City Weatherbirds, fronted by the brothers Pickering (reminds me of the Christie Brothers Stompers), delved deep into the Chicago/Dixieland songbook soloing with retrospective authenticity.

I referred earlier to the lack of a mic. This was a two-edged sword. Certainly it would have enhanced Magnus' vocals had he been given that extra sonority so essential when singing these days. In fairness he did okay no doubt helped by the house acoustics plus, had he had a mic it would have amplified a couple of faux pas he made in his announcements.

Bob Crosby didn't play clarinet and, At the Jazz Band Ball although recorded by Muggsy Spanier's Ragtimers wasn't an actual rag and they weren't a big band either.

Still, that's just me nitpicking which is something I couldn't do regarding the music which was superb.

All the three front line siblings (silently) boast of their achievements over several different genres and they have the technique to handle them.

Unusually, for a Dixie outfit, drummer Ellison used predominantly brushes and it was no worse for that.

The beautifully named Harrison Dolphin played acoustic guitar amped up by the only mic (am I reading more into this than I should?)

Stepping in at the eleventh hour was local 'boy' Paul Grainger on bass. Paul is rapidly evolving on the local scene as both bass player and gig organiser - indeed he is involved with tonight's gig by the band at The Vault in Hexham.

This was different from the usual bill of fayre at the Lit and Phil but that is the strength of these monthly gigs - quality and diversity is what Russell delivers.

One of the many comments I heard as I was leaving: 'Wasn't it great to hear young musicians playing jazz like this?' 

She was right! Lance

South Rampart Street Parade; I Wish I Could Shimmy Like my Sister Kate; If I Had You; At the Jazz Band Ball; Fools Rush in; I'm Crazy 'Bout my Baby; Lazy River; Riverboat Shuffle; Ain't Misbehavin'; Sweet Sue - Just You; 'S Wonderful; That's A-Plenty; Big Butter and Egg Man.